Poet Elizabeth Alexander (after the fact)

Her poem in words, were great. The poem in language was simple but inspiring. However I looked at the simplicity of her performance. She read off of paper (rather than note cards), nor memorization. She gave voice (by projecting) but no emotional tone. She stayed even toned, robotic sounding almost which could have been read from the crowd as "I want you to hear what I'm saying but I need to pace myself so I won't mess up and I need to hurry up." She gave no feeling that HER words needed, because they were so important.She had no beginning. No middle. No end.
The audience didn't even know that she was done or that she had concluded her poem. Now, please note that I do not judge her on what she wrote as far as the style whether it be "Prose, Sonnet or Free verse and so on because in my opinion regardless of what you write, it is up to you to bring it to life. So you ask, overall was the poem there? Yes. Now ask me if she stood behind it? No. That is where a small disappointment comes in. Am I sympathetic that she was nervous? Yes.
There were millions of people in her audience and she's never had to do that before. And last but not least she had to come right behind the president. But at the same time (she had the most important spot, the place of serious impact), even more reason to Command Attention, Make them Listen, Project and Feel, Bring your audience in (you're grown and you have something to say).
They, more than ever needed her to excite their ears, open their eyes and leave them in awe so not only did they hear Barack; they also heard that she either summarized in a poetic theme/dream as to what the "First African American President" had to say. Or she captivated them to let them know what that day meant to her, the American People, the past and everyone in between. Now with all of that said, I am still proud that Barack commissioned a "Poet" (and very happy) she could oblige. It's beautiful that there was a "Poet" to represent. It showed that poetry is still needed, wanted, respected and honored. And even though there are many of us with mixed feelings as to how the Elizabeth Alexander performed and about the poem she read, it doesn't matter because at the end of the day; the prestige came.
She is the fourth poet ever to present at an inauguration. She is now mentioned among the likes of Robert Frost, Maya Angelou and Miller Williams. She is another one who has now paved the way for others to maybe one day to be blessed to be called upon to do there dream, which is read there creative thoughts in what we call "Poetry"... after the next new founded president. Thank you Elizabeth!!!

Until...